diabetic foot care

Patient care

In-home care by the patient or a caregiver should include a daily foot inspection for cracks in the skin, calluses, abrasions, lacerations, blisters, ulcers, or ingrowing nails; changes in color or temperature; or loss of capillary refill. Any of these should be reported to a health care professional. Diabetic patients should be advised to keep their feet warm and dry, to wear clean shoes with good support, to avoid walking barefoot or without socks, and to trim nails carefully. Tobacco products, which decrease arterial blood flow, should be avoided. Professional diabetic foot care includes examination of the feet for diminished pulses (or other circulatory problems); examination of the feet for sensation (with monofilament testing); and consulting a podiatrist or diabetic care specialist at least once a year. Deficiencies in diabetic foot care can have disastrous complications, including amputations and Charcot foot.